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Beth R. King, 94, of Wheaton, formerly of Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Kensington, an accomplished pianist and longtime Pentagon editor, died May 6, 2009, at Randolph Hills Nursing Home in Wheaton. She had lived in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area for more than 50 years. She had Alzheimer's disease.

Born Dec. 26, 1914, in Knoxville, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late William R. King, and Ethel W. (Woodward) King. They moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1919.

Ms. King graduated from Central High School in Washington, D.C. and earned a bachelor's degree in music from the Washington College of Music, and studied piano with noted New York teacher and music editor Edwin Hughes.

During World War II, Ms. King administered an unusual federal insurance program for the Office of Scientific Research and Development to cover contractors' employees engaged in the development of flamethrowers and other extra-hazardous work.

Following the war, Ms. King became a technical editor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense and other offices and retired in 1973 after 32 years of service.

After retirement, Ms. King began a career at the piano for 20 years. She coached and accompanied vocalists and played for rehearsals of amateur Gilbert & Sullivan companies and for Washington Opera auditions. From 1975 to 1992 she performed with the Victorian Parlour Ensemble and played for singers in suburban Maryland public schools as well as the Kennedy Center, the British Embassy and the National Gallery of Art.

Ms. King was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Washington. She edited its newsletter for years, served on its music committee, sang in its choir and sometimes played piano or organ for services. She was also a member of the TYLOA (That Ye Love One Another) group at Petworth United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a nephew, Steve Behrens of Washington, D.C. and family friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Anne K. Behrens and Mary E. Perry.

A private memorial service was held last month. Interment was in Rock Creek Cemetery in Northwest Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Wesley United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C.